Verizon, Firethorn launch mobile banking service for some Birmingham-area banks

Verizon Wireless and payments enabler Firethorn Holdings LLC today said they have launched a service that allows customers of some Birmingham-area financial institutions to access their accounts by mobile phones.

The on-the-go banking is free for customers of Firethorn network members Regions Financial, Wachovia, BancorpSouth, Synovus and America First Credit Union.

Customers must have certain Verizon Wireless phones to check account balances, transfer funds between accounts, and review and pay bills. The companies said they expect to make the service available on additional devices in the coming months.

Though the mobile banking is free, software download, use and megabyte charges may apply, the wireless carrier said. It recommends customers check with their financial institutions for the service's availability and instructions on how to access accounts.